17 March - HE and Oxbridge Information Evenings

HE Evening

Higher Education Evening on Wednesday 1st March gave Year 12 a welcome opportunity to find out more about the challenges of student life - and the challenges of gaining access to student life - as they prepare for the UCAS process later in the year. Visiting speakers from three Russell Group universities gave presentations on a range of relevant areas with Anna Jenkins of Birmingham exploring "Why go to university?", "Which university should I go to?" and "What course should I choose?", Raoul Morley of UCL talking through some of the challenges involved in writing the all important Personal Statement, and Elizabeth Chandler of Sheffield university giving a detailed and eye-opening presentation on key aspects of student finance. Our thanks go to all of our speakers for their superb support and advice for our aspiring students.

Oxbridge Evening

On Wednesday 15th March, Tutors and Admissions staff from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge spoke in the Great Hall to a packed audience of Year 12 students and parents from St. Olave's and a range of other local schools about the challenges and myths associated with applying to these two prestigious universities. Representing the academic staff of the universities, Dr Mark Wormald of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, Lucinda Rumsey of Mansfield College, Oxford and Dr Caroline Burt of Pembroke College, Cambridge were joined by Amber Cuttill from Pembroke College, Cambridge's admissions and outreach team. An erudite blend of frank advice, statistical information and pragmatic wisdom was offered in a collaborative presentation from all four speakers and was followed by a lively Question and Answer session. As ever, aspirations remain robust and high, and we trust that the occasion will have been of great benefit to all those in attendance.